It also provides for the automatic reinstatement of the excise tax rates after the period ends without need of further government action. When will the President be given that authority to suspend or reduce the excise tax? DOF backs move, but…At yesterday’s hearing, the Department of Finance said it was supportive of the measures, whether to suspend or reduce excise tax. Outside the House of Representatives’ complex, members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) protested the Marcos administration’s move to seek emergency powers to reduce excise taxes on fuel. “If the oil industry remains deregulated, there is no guarantee that any tax reduction will be directly felt by the people.

The recommendations are based on the agency’s expectation that price increases would be triggered by the cost of transporting goods as fuel prices go up. She said manufacturers and retailers of BNPCs have informed the DTI that the current inventory is so far sufficient for the next two months. To ensure that BNPC prices remain reasonable, she said the DTI has mobilized its field offices to step up the monitoring of prices and supply of goods nationwide. The DTI is set to convene the National Price Coordinating Council tomorrow to discuss measures to help alleviate the impact of the Middle East conflict. The DTI is set to meet with 30 partner firms in the logistics industry to ensure that the cost of their services remain low.

DOTr studying amount of fare hikeA jeepney driver hands over the change to a commuter in Quezon City yesterday. Transport group Piston is seeking a provisional fare hike of P2, from P13 to P15, amid soaring fuel pricesMANILA, Philippines — Commuters may soon be burdened with higher transport costs as fare rates are expected to increase because of soaring oil prices stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez said yesterday. The DOTr chief said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is studying a petition for a fare hike. According to the transportation chief, the LTFRB submitted a recommendation, but it was asked to “recompute” and “re-crunch” the numbers. Transport group Piston has announced a plan to seek a P2 provisional fare increase, which would raise the minimum jeepney fare to P15 from P13, if granted.

If you haven’t visited the grounds for over a year, you’ll be amazed at how the multi-sports facility now looks. Last January, Rizal reopened the doors of its Tennis Center to host the first-ever WTA 125 tournament in the country. Gregorio called it Rizal’s version of a Rockwell park, not on a large scale but classy, environmentally-friendly and accessible to the public. Gregorio said when he initially stepped foot at the complex to begin his term, it was like a nightmare dawning. More on Rizal’s transformation in tomorrow’s column.

Marcos Jr. pitches Philippines bid for UN council seatPresident Marcos addresses the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday. NEW YORK – President Marcos called for an end to conflicts around the world as he sought global support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. “This holds true for the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, the DRC, the Sahel, Yemen, Myanmar — everywhere else where humanitarian action is needed.”Security council bidIn the same address, Marcos also appealed to UN member states to support the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2027 to 2028. “In the midst of mounting challenges and uncertainties, our United Nations need steady, committed, experienced hands; and we humbly offer ours — to serve in the UN Security Council for 2027 to 2028,” the President said. The President further underscored the Philippines’ role as an independent and trusted partner, an innovative pathfinder and a committed peacemaker.

Lacson: Marcoleta’s echoing of China narratives ‘unsettling’MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson described yesterday as “unsettling” the prospect of a Philippine lawmaker echoing China’s territorial positions, warning of grave implications for national security amid escalating global tensions. Lacson raised the alarm following his privilege speech on Tuesday, where he presented evidence that statements from Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) mirrored narratives posted on the website of China’s ministry of foreign affairs. This is national security we’re talking about,” Lacson told reporters. Spy leakMeanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard admitted to security lapses after sensitive information from rotation and resupply missions in the WPS was leaked to China. Jay Tarriela, assured the public that no highly sensitive national security data had been compromised, noting that leaked information mainly involved resupply operations in previous years.

Oil prices plunge, then reboundWorkers carry sacks of rice at Paco Market in Manila yesterday. Rising fuel prices have affected the cost of transportation and logistics, contributing to the higher prices of food and other essential goods. Some analysts were skeptical about the IEA’s proposal and its impact on oil prices. How oil prices will evolve will depend on the duration of the Iran war,” said DBS ?energy sector team lead Suvro Sarkar. Officials of G7 have also gathered online to discuss a potential release of emergency oil stockpiles to soften the market blow.

Razon is richest Filipino on Forbes billionaires listMANILA, Philippines — Tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. is the country’s richest, based on the Forbes 2026 World’s Billionaires list. Razon was the only Filipino who cracked the top 200, ranking 175th with a net worth of $16.5 billion. The US has the most billionaires with 989 on the list, followed by mainland China with 539 billionaires and India with 229. Elon Musk topped the list for the second year in a row with a net worth of $839 billion. Larry Page, co-founder of Google, ranked second with an estimated net worth of $257 billion, followed by his co-founder Sergey Brin at third with $237 billion.

Final monsoon strength felt tomorrow; cooler weather seenPAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said that cooler temperatures would prevail from tomorrow to Sunday. MANILA, Philippines — Strong winds brought by the final strength of the northeast monsoon or amihan will be felt across the country starting tomorrow, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said that cooler temperatures would prevail from tomorrow to Sunday. “We are expecting cooler temperatures in many places especially in mountainous areas, particularly in extreme Northern Luzon,” Estareja said. The weather disturbance was spotted 1,265 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, packing winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gusts of 80 kph.

P5.9 billion shabu found in abandoned boatHandout photo provided by the Philip- pine Army shows the sacks of shabu retrieved from an abandoned boat in Occidental Mindoro. MANILA, Philippines — Shabu with an estimated street value of P5.9 billion was found in an abandoned speedboat in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro on Monday, according to the Philippine Army. Troopers from the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) were inspecting the boat, which ran aground in Barangay Harrison, when they discovered the illegal substance. The suspects were about to leave Mindoro when they were arrested, Zagala said. Aside from shabu, soldiers recovered a Starlink communication device, eight hand flares, three fire extinguishers, four batteries, two life jackets and two lifebuoys from the boat.

FiberXers spoil Macau Black Bears' PBA Commissioner’s Cup debutConverge's Alec Stockton (12) shoots against the defense of the Macau Black Knights during their PBA Commissioner's Cup clash Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. MANILA, Philippines -- The Converge FiberXers gave the Macau Black Knights a rude welcome in the PBA, keeping the guest team at bay, 102-94, in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup clash Wednesday evening at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. But a 13-2 run capped by a Justin Arana layup gave Converge the lead, 66-64, with 4:52 left in the third. Jonnel Policarpio finished with 13 points in his Converge debut, while Kylor Kelley had 12 markers and 19 boards. Jenning Leung waxed hot from deep for the Black Knights with 22 points, including 2-of-5 from 4-point and 2-of-8 from 3-point territories.

Marcos: Two chartered flights set for OFW repatriation from Middle EastAt a Palace briefing, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said up to 100 Filipinos in Dubai, United Arab Emirates have so far expressed their intention to return home. MANILA, Philippines — The government is arranging two chartered flights for affected overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East who wish to return home, with some expected to arrive in the Philippines by the end of the week, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Tuesday (New York time). Despite ongoing tensions among the United States, Israel and Iran, Marcos said that the easing of airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East has allowed three Emirates-operated commercial flights to carry OFWs from Dubai directly to Manila. One chartered flight will originate from Riyadh to bring home Filipinos in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, while a second flight from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates will repatriate OFWs from Dubai. Marcos said the second chartered flight is scheduled to depart on March 13 and is expected to arrive in Manila either by the evening of the same day or the morning of March 14.

Philippines working with Portugal to arrest Zaldy Co, says MarcosMANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is coordinating with Portuguese authorities to locate and arrest former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who has been on the run for more than three months since a warrant was issued. We have to ask the assistance of the country where he is in, which is presently Portugal," Marcos said. "Naglagay na tayo ng red notice sa Interpol at patuloy ang ating ugnayan sa mga Portuguese authorities na pauwiin na siya," he said. (We have already filed a red notice with Interpol and continue to coordinate with the Portuguese authorities to have him brought home.) The National Bureau of Investigation filed the documents requesting an Interpol red notice on February 11.

Eala outclassed, ends Indian Wells campaignINDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 08: Alexandra Eala of the Phiippines plays a forehand against Coco Gauff of the United States in their third round match of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 08, 2026 in Indian Wells, California. Alex Eala was shown the door in the Indian Wells Open after getting swept by Linda Noskova, 6-2, 6-0, Wednesday afternoon (Manila time) in California. 14, put on a masterclass against the lackadaisical Eala, dominating every aspect of the match against the frustrated Filipina. Eala then held her serve to put herself on the board and was trailing by one game, 2-3. Still, Eala had a deep run in her debut in Indian Wells.

Greenbelt Getaway to Wimbledon: The ultimate UK experienceMANILA, Philippines — For those who understand that true luxury is found in being present for the moments that matter, this is the ultimate invitation. The Greenbelt Getaway to Wimbledon is a masterclass in curated experience, offering winners the best seats in history:2 Wimbledon Centre Court packages8 days, 7 nights twin-sharing accommodation at Nobu Hotel (or similar)Debenture Match Tickets to Centre Court and Court No. Experiences beyond compareSince 2023, the Greenbelt Getaway has reimagined how we reward our community, extending our signature experience far beyond the avenues of Makati. How to join the Greenbelt Getaway to WimbledonFrom February 15 through April 15, every retail purchase at Greenbelt serves as an opportunity to win. The Greenbelt Getaway to Wimbledon promo runs from Feb. 15, 2026 to April 15, 2026.